WHAT GUIDES POLARIS?
EXPERIENCE AND TRANSPARENCY.
In everything we do, Polaris relies on its experience. In everything we say, Polaris demonstrates transparency. Combined, this philosophy creates a culture that guides how we form our opinions, how we take care of our clients, and how we treat our employees.
MEET THE TEAM
Deepak Ahuja, M.S., P.E.
President and Founder
Dallas, TX
Deepak founded Polaris with the goal of providing expert engineering services for a wide variety of clients looking for answers to today’s most complex problems. He has put together a high-performing, multi-disciplined team of experts with over a century of combined experience in design, construction and engineering evaluations.
Deepak earned a dual Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Mechanical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently licensed in 20 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.
Deepak Ahuja, M.S., P.E.
President and Founder
Dallas, TX
Deepak founded Polaris with the goal of providing expert engineering services for a wide variety of clients looking for answers to today’s most complex problems. He has put together a high-performing, multi-disciplined team of experts with over a century of combined experience in design, construction and engineering evaluations.
Deepak earned a dual Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Mechanical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently licensed in 20 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.
President and Founder
James Plantes, S.E., P.E.
Vice President
Dallas, TX
In his role as Vice President, James performs forensic engineering evaluations, oversees relationships with current and prospective clients, and coordinates properly qualified and licensed staff for assignments. He also focuses his efforts on developing new and expanded service offerings, implementing innovative and improved technologies, and ensuring top-notch and expeditious client service. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail impact his work and the work of the Polaris team.
James earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. James is currently a licensed engineer in over twenty states.
Outside of the office, James enjoys golf, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.
James Plantes, S.E., P.E.
Vice President
Dallas, TX
In his role as Vice President, James performs forensic engineering evaluations, oversees relationships with current and prospective clients, and coordinates properly qualified and licensed staff for assignments. He also focuses his efforts on developing new and expanded service offerings, implementing innovative and improved technologies, and ensuring top-notch and expeditious client service. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail impact his work and the work of the Polaris team.
James earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. James is currently a licensed engineer in over twenty states.
Outside of the office, James enjoys golf, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and three daughters.
Vice President
Bradley East, M.S., P.E.
Director of Operations
Austin, TX
Coming on board in 2020, Bradley’s goal was to expand on James’s and Deepak’s vision for the company. In addition to ensuring exceptional client service, he cultivates an employee-focused culture, including identifying and developing expert talent and implementing transparent, employee-friendly policies.
Bradley earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to people skills, his technical expertise includes concrete materials, structural analysis, failure analysis, wind design and storm damage evaluations. Bradley is the proud dad of two wonderful daughters, and he loves golf, fishing and hiking.
Bradley East, M.S., P.E.
Director of Operations
Austin, TX
Coming on board in 2020, Bradley’s goal was to expand on James’s and Deepak’s vision for the company. In addition to ensuring exceptional client service, he cultivates an employee-focused culture, including identifying and developing expert talent and implementing transparent, employee-friendly policies.
Bradley earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to people skills, his technical expertise includes concrete materials, structural analysis, failure analysis, wind design and storm damage evaluations. Bradley is the proud dad of two wonderful daughters, and he loves golf, fishing and hiking.
Director of Operations
Chad Sellers
Director of Business Development
Dallas, TX
Chad Sellers joined Polaris in 2018 as a Marketing Manager and is currently the Director of Business Development. He brings over ten years of experience in forensic engineering sales and marketing. His focus is to meet every aspect of our current client’s needs, while actively working to grow the customer base of Polaris. Chad is focused on personal client meetings as well as local, state, and national conferences with the goal of sharing the benefits and services of partnering with Polaris.
In his spare time, Chad enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing volleyball, and cooking.
Chad Sellers
Director of Business Development
Dallas, TX
Chad Sellers joined Polaris in 2018 as a Marketing Manager and is currently the Director of Business Development. He brings over ten years of experience in forensic engineering sales and marketing. His focus is to meet every aspect of our current client’s needs, while actively working to grow the customer base of Polaris. Chad is focused on personal client meetings as well as local, state, and national conferences with the goal of sharing the benefits and services of partnering with Polaris.
In his spare time, Chad enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing volleyball, and cooking.
Director of Business Dev.
Suzanne Eldredge, P.E.
Project Director
Phoenix, AZ
Suzanne Eldredge grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2010. Suzanne launched her engineering career starting in design before making the move to forensics. Suzanne is currently licensed in sixteen states and has over nine years of engineering experience.
Suzanne Eldredge, P.E.
Project Director
Phoenix, AZ
Suzanne Eldredge grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2010. Suzanne launched her engineering career starting in design before making the move to forensics. Suzanne is currently licensed in sixteen states and has over nine years of engineering experience.
Project Director
Rama Kristam, M.S., P.E.
Project Director
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Rama earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from National Institute of Technology Warangal (India) and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from SUNY Buffalo. Rama has over six years of experience practicing as a structural design engineer for various reputable firms. Before joining Polaris, Rama led a team of engineers for a structural design firm that primarily focused on the residential market in southeast Florida. Leveraging his wide-ranging experience in structural engineering, Rama has become an expert forensic engineer undertaking evaluations of various building types and causes of damage.
Rama Kristam, M.S., P.E.
Project Director
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Rama earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from National Institute of Technology Warangal (India) and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from SUNY Buffalo. Rama has over six years of experience practicing as a structural design engineer for various reputable firms. Before joining Polaris, Rama led a team of engineers for a structural design firm that primarily focused on the residential market in southeast Florida. Leveraging his wide-ranging experience in structural engineering, Rama has become an expert forensic engineer undertaking evaluations of various building types and causes of damage.
Project Director
John Andrews, P.E.
Project Director
Orlando, FL
John’s engineering experience includes forensic engineering (residential and commercial losses, moisture intrusion evaluations, reserve/turnover studies, property condition assessments, and construction defect evaluations), DOT materials testing and specification compliance (bridge sub- and super-structures, and pavement inspection), structural evaluations (threshold inspections, component failure analysis, and remediation permitting plans), ADA compliance surveys, geotechnical explorations (deep foundation design and installation inspection), and building materials testing including certifications in ASTM E1105, E783, & AAMA 501.2 (window water/air penetration testing).
John received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida (Orlando) and is currently licensed in over 20 states.
Outside of the office, John enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife and dog.
John Andrews, P.E.
Project Director
Orlando, FL
John’s engineering experience includes forensic engineering (residential and commercial losses, moisture intrusion evaluations, reserve/turnover studies, property condition assessments, and construction defect evaluations), DOT materials testing and specification compliance (bridge sub- and super-structures, and pavement inspection), structural evaluations (threshold inspections, component failure analysis, and remediation permitting plans), ADA compliance surveys, geotechnical explorations (deep foundation design and installation inspection), and building materials testing including certifications in ASTM E1105, E783, & AAMA 501.2 (window water/air penetration testing).
John received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida (Orlando) and is currently licensed in over 20 states.
Outside of the office, John enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his wife and dog.
Project Director
Kirk Eminger, P.E.
Project Director
Jacksonville, FL
Kirk earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Ohio University. Kirk’s prior experience includes structural design and analysis for hydraulic structures, residential structures, and light commercial structures.
Before joining Polaris Forensics, Inc., Kirk worked for a forensic company focused on large loss claims and performed various calculations, completed forensic inspections, and wrote technical reports.
Outside of the office, Kirk can be found dirt bike riding, mountain bike riding, or hanging out with friends/family.
Kirk Eminger, P.E.
Project Director
Jacksonville, FL
Kirk earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Ohio University. Kirk’s prior experience includes structural design and analysis for hydraulic structures, residential structures, and light commercial structures.
Before joining Polaris Forensics, Inc., Kirk worked for a forensic company focused on large loss claims and performed various calculations, completed forensic inspections, and wrote technical reports.
Outside of the office, Kirk can be found dirt bike riding, mountain bike riding, or hanging out with friends/family.
Project Director
David Highfield, P.E.
Project Director
Houston, TX
David earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2008. David has over eight years of design and construction experience in structural and civil engineering. Before joining Polaris Forensics, Inc., David worked for forensic companies that focused on both commercial and residential structures. David’s forensic engineering experience includes inspections of commercial, governmental, industrial, and residential structures, along with writing technical reports, and has provided depositions.
David Highfield, P.E.
Project Director
Houston, TX
David earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2008. David has over eight years of design and construction experience in structural and civil engineering. Before joining Polaris Forensics, Inc., David worked for forensic companies that focused on both commercial and residential structures. David’s forensic engineering experience includes inspections of commercial, governmental, industrial, and residential structures, along with writing technical reports, and has provided depositions.
Project Director
Bret Schleissing, P.E.
Project Director
Tampa, FL
Bret has joined the Polaris team as a Project Director in Tampa, Florida. Bret is licensed as a professional engineer in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Oklahoma. In his role, Bret will be performing engineering evaluations to determine the cause and extent of damage due to catastrophic events (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, wind, floor, tree/vehicles, etc.) and/or installation, construction, and design deficiencies.
Outside of work, Bret enjoys bodybuilding and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Bret Schleissing, P.E.
Project Director
Tampa, FL
Bret has joined the Polaris team as a Project Director in Tampa, Florida. Bret is licensed as a professional engineer in Florida, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Oklahoma. In his role, Bret will be performing engineering evaluations to determine the cause and extent of damage due to catastrophic events (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, wind, floor, tree/vehicles, etc.) and/or installation, construction, and design deficiencies.
Outside of work, Bret enjoys bodybuilding and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Project Director
Dale Jackson, M.S., P.E
Project Engineer
Knoxville, TN
Dale obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville in 1993. He also obtained his Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University in 2018. Dale’s forensic engineering experience includes field inspections of commercial, governmental, industrial, religious, and residential structures for cause and origin and forensic analysis, such as structural, settlement, mechanical, moisture intrusion, vehicle impact, hail, wind, flood, tornado, frozen pipes, lightning, explosion, and construction vibration damage. He has prepared written reports of findings and has provided depositions and testimony on forensic engineering cases.
Dale Jackson, M.S., P.E
Project Engineer
Knoxville, TN
Dale obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville in 1993. He also obtained his Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University in 2018. Dale’s forensic engineering experience includes field inspections of commercial, governmental, industrial, religious, and residential structures for cause and origin and forensic analysis, such as structural, settlement, mechanical, moisture intrusion, vehicle impact, hail, wind, flood, tornado, frozen pipes, lightning, explosion, and construction vibration damage. He has prepared written reports of findings and has provided depositions and testimony on forensic engineering cases.
Project Engineer
Jeanine Bounds, P.E.
Project Engineer
Dallas, TX
Ms. Bounds has been involved in the mechanical and plumbing engineering sector for over twenty-five years. Early in her career, Ms. Bounds was employed in the research and engineering department of a HVAC manufacturing company. Following her position with the HVAC manufacturer, Ms. Bounds transitioned to mechanical and plumbing system design work, as well as preparation of fire protection performance criteria, throughout the United States. Ms. Bounds has provided litigation support, including assessment, review, or investigation of design documents, evaluation and/or analysis of mechanical and plumbing systems ranging from the construction document phase to post-construction failure analysis. Mechanical system experience includes direct expansion (DX), chilled water, condenser water (water cooled), energy recover and variable refrigerant flow (VRF), steam systems for commercial laundry/kitchens, and mechanical smoke control systems. Projects have included hospitality, retail, educational (K-12 and higher-education), high-rise/low-rise residential, office, industrial/warehouse, and cultural (museum/performing arts/library) buildings.
Jeanine Bounds, P.E.
Project Engineer
Dallas, TX
Ms. Bounds has been involved in the mechanical and plumbing engineering sector for over twenty-five years. Early in her career, Ms. Bounds was employed in the research and engineering department of a HVAC manufacturing company. Following her position with the HVAC manufacturer, Ms. Bounds transitioned to mechanical and plumbing system design work, as well as preparation of fire protection performance criteria, throughout the United States. Ms. Bounds has provided litigation support, including assessment, review, or investigation of design documents, evaluation and/or analysis of mechanical and plumbing systems ranging from the construction document phase to post-construction failure analysis. Mechanical system experience includes direct expansion (DX), chilled water, condenser water (water cooled), energy recover and variable refrigerant flow (VRF), steam systems for commercial laundry/kitchens, and mechanical smoke control systems. Projects have included hospitality, retail, educational (K-12 and higher-education), high-rise/low-rise residential, office, industrial/warehouse, and cultural (museum/performing arts/library) buildings.
Project Engineer
José Rivera, P.E., LEED AP
Project Engineer
Dallas, TX
Jose has over twenty years of experience in buildings, solar energy, EVCS, cell tower sites, data center, and infrastructure, with strengths in electrical power, lighting, fire alarm, and security. He has performed many technical reviews of construction documents, building and site surveys, inspections, electrical infrastructure evaluations, and systems commissioning.
José Rivera, P.E., LEED AP
Project Engineer
Dallas, TX
Jose has over twenty years of experience in buildings, solar energy, EVCS, cell tower sites, data center, and infrastructure, with strengths in electrical power, lighting, fire alarm, and security. He has performed many technical reviews of construction documents, building and site surveys, inspections, electrical infrastructure evaluations, and systems commissioning.
Project Engineer
Stephen Gutierrez
Senior Associate
Dallas, TX
As a senior associate, Stephen provides technical services and assistance on various types of forensic evaluations. His contributions include field observation and documentation, drone (UAV) photography, cost estimating, ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, lab testing and analysis, infrared (IR) imaging, and computer-aided design (CAD) services. Stephen is originally from Dallas and now resides near Fort Worth. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys wood working, keeping up with his favorite Dallas area sports teams, and spending time with his wife, son, and daughter.
Stephen Gutierrez
Senior Associate
Dallas, TX
As a senior associate, Stephen provides technical services and assistance on various types of forensic evaluations. His contributions include field observation and documentation, drone (UAV) photography, cost estimating, ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, lab testing and analysis, infrared (IR) imaging, and computer-aided design (CAD) services. Stephen is originally from Dallas and now resides near Fort Worth. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys wood working, keeping up with his favorite Dallas area sports teams, and spending time with his wife, son, and daughter.
Senior Associate
Sammy Jarrar, E.I.T.
Senior Associate
Dallas, TX
Sammy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the Fall of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honors. Following the completion of his undergraduate thesis on architectural preservation in Palestine, and spurred by a growing interest in building forensics, Sammy joined Polaris in Spring 2021. In his time at Polaris, he has received his Engineer-in-Training certificate, a commercial UAV operators license, and has co-authored engineering reports for wide variety of building types and causes of damage. In his free time, Sammy enjoys sketching, cooking, attending live music shows, and watching indie movies at the local theater.
Sammy Jarrar, E.I.T.
Senior Associate
Dallas, TX
Sammy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the Fall of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honors. Following the completion of his undergraduate thesis on architectural preservation in Palestine, and spurred by a growing interest in building forensics, Sammy joined Polaris in Spring 2021. In his time at Polaris, he has received his Engineer-in-Training certificate, a commercial UAV operators license, and has co-authored engineering reports for wide variety of building types and causes of damage. In his free time, Sammy enjoys sketching, cooking, attending live music shows, and watching indie movies at the local theater.
Senior Associate
Charles Wade
Associate
Dallas, TX
After earning his Bachelor of Communications from Texas Christian University, Charles earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern Methodist University. He started his career working for multiple years in Transportation Engineering but made the leap to forensic engineering in 2021 and has not looked back. Charles enjoys getting out from behind the desk, getting his hands dirty in the field, and working with the Polaris team on a variety of interesting projects. Outside the office, Charles is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with his wife (Alex), daughter (Savannah), and their dog (Charlotte).
Charles Wade
Associate
Dallas, TX
After earning his Bachelor of Communications from Texas Christian University, Charles earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern Methodist University. He started his career working for multiple years in Transportation Engineering but made the leap to forensic engineering in 2021 and has not looked back. Charles enjoys getting out from behind the desk, getting his hands dirty in the field, and working with the Polaris team on a variety of interesting projects. Outside the office, Charles is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with his wife (Alex), daughter (Savannah), and their dog (Charlotte).
Associate
Rodney Peyton
Operations Manager
Dallas, TX
Rodney joined Polaris in 2020 and is currently focused on customer service, operations, scheduling, and office management for the company. He strives to ensure that our clients receive the personalized care that they deserve, while also working hard to improve processes, increase efficiencies, and grow the company.
Outside of the office, Rodney enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and attending festivals. Most of all, however, he enjoys the rush of reaching speeds in excess of 170 MPH while driving his Top Dragster on quarter mile tracks at local drag racing venues.
Rodney Peyton
Operations Manager
Dallas, TX
Rodney joined Polaris in 2020 and is currently focused on customer service, operations, scheduling, and office management for the company. He strives to ensure that our clients receive the personalized care that they deserve, while also working hard to improve processes, increase efficiencies, and grow the company.
Outside of the office, Rodney enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and attending festivals. Most of all, however, he enjoys the rush of reaching speeds in excess of 170 MPH while driving his Top Dragster on quarter mile tracks at local drag racing venues.
Operations Manager
Lindsay Aten
Administrative Coordinator
Dallas, TX
Lindsay joined the Polaris team in 2021 as an Administrative Coordinator. Lindsay is an integral part of the team and often the first point of contact with Polaris. She is dedicated to client care and managing internal engineering resources. Lindsay has a passion for ensuring a smooth process and providing premier service to Polaris’s clients.
Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys baking, traveling, visiting casinos, watching sports, and most of all, spending time with her family and son.
Lindsay Aten
Administrative Coordinator
Dallas, TX
Lindsay joined the Polaris team in 2021 as an Administrative Coordinator. Lindsay is an integral part of the team and often the first point of contact with Polaris. She is dedicated to client care and managing internal engineering resources. Lindsay has a passion for ensuring a smooth process and providing premier service to Polaris’s clients.
Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys baking, traveling, visiting casinos, watching sports, and most of all, spending time with her family and son.
Administrative Coordinator
Joshua Hawkins
Administrative Assistant
Plano, TX
Joshua has joined the Polaris team as an administrative assistant. Joshua graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. In his role, Joshua will be responsible for assisting project teams, scheduling, and taking care of our clients with a smile on his face!
Outside of work, Joshua enjoys writing and recording music, watching sports and movies, playing video games, and most of all, spending time with his friends.
Joshua Hawkins
Administrative Assistant
Plano, TX
Joshua has joined the Polaris team as an administrative assistant. Joshua graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. In his role, Joshua will be responsible for assisting project teams, scheduling, and taking care of our clients with a smile on his face!
Outside of work, Joshua enjoys writing and recording music, watching sports and movies, playing video games, and most of all, spending time with his friends.
Administrative Assistant
OFFICE LOCATIONS
TEXAS
Dallas (HQ)
Suite 103
Plano, TX 75074
Austin
Suite 165
Austin, TX 78701
Houston
Suite 3167
Houston, TX 77008
COLORADO
Denver
Suite 2149
Denver, CO 80202
arizona
Phoenix
Unit 7294
Phoenix, AZ 85016
FLORIDA
Ft. Lauderdale
1931 Cordova Road,
Suite 2050
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Orlando
Suite 202-5165
Orlando, FL 32803
Jacksonville
Suite 2-388
Jacksonville, FL 32218